Ribbon-retainer.



' No. 7I4,963. Patented Dec. 2, I902.

F. C. STEINKAMP.

RIBBON RETAINER.

(Application filed Sept. 4, 1902.)

(No Model.)

UNTTE STATES 'ATnNT OFFICE.

FRANK C. STEINKAMP, OF ST. JAMES, MINNESOTA.

RIBBON-RETAINER.

SPECIFIGATION formingpart of Letters Patent No. 714,963, dated December 2, 1902. Application filed September 4, 1902. Serial No. 122,123. (No modeld To all whom, it may concern:

Be itknown that I, FRANK C. STEINKAMP, a citizen of the United States, residing at St. James, in the county of WVatonwan and State of Minnesota, have invented a new and useful Ribbon-Retainer, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a ribbon-retainer.

The object of the invention is in a cheap, ready, thoroughly feasible and practical manner to prevent ribbon or other narrow material wound upon reels from unwinding when being handled or when lying upon shelves or counters, thereby saving the time and trouble necessary in pinning the end of the ribbon or the like to the reel, as is commonly done.

\Vith these and other objects in view, as will appear as the nature of the invention is better understood, the same consists in the novel construction and combination of parts of a ribbon-retainer, as will be hereinafter fully described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and in which like numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts, there are illustrated two forms of embodiment of the invention, each capable of carrying the sameinto practical operation, it being understood that the elements therein exhibited may be varied or changed as to shape, proportion, and exact manner of assemblage without departing from the spirit thereof.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a view in perspective exhibiting a reel of ribbon with the device of this invention associated therewith. Fig. 2 is a perspective detail view of the form of retainer shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a slightly-modified form of retainer, a portion of the encircling band being broken away.

Referring to the drawings, and to Figs. 1 and 2 thereof, there is exhibited a preferred form of embodiment of the invention as applied to a reel or ribbon, and while nothcrein shown it is to be understood that the invention is equally adaptable for use in holding braids or other narrow goods upon a reel, and as this will be readily understood detailed illustration thereof is omitted.

The retainer is constructed of metal, preferabl y one possessing the requisite resiliency to cause it to perform the function for which it is designed, and comprises a relatively narrow band or body portion 1 and two clamps 2 and 3, provided each at its terminals with inward-projecting members 4, constituting guides which by straddling the periphery of the reel operate to hold the retainer from aocidental disconnection therefrom. The band operates to cause the clamps to bear upon the ribbon with sufficient force to prevent accidental turning thereon, and thus release of the ribbon, the desideratum being that while the clamps will prevent this they will not present objectionable resistance when the ribbon is to be unwound. To reduce frictional contact between the ribbon and the clamp 3, which in this instance will be the one against which the ribbon Willpress in being unwound, the said clamp has its front edge bent or curled upon itself at 5 for the purpose. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the clamps are intogral with the band; but, if preferred, they may be made as separate elements and associated therewith, as shown in Fig. 3. In this instance the clamps are connected with the band by rivets 6, and the clamp 7, which corresponds to the clamp 2 in Figs. 1 and 2, is provided with a transverse slot, through which projects one terminal of the band to form a finger-hold S, by which the retainer may be turned upon the reel to wind up thereon a loose length of the ribbon.

The devices of this invention are exceedingly simple of construction and may be readily and cheaply manufactured and willin use be found thoroughly effective for the purpose designed.

In use the band will be grasped by the thumb and middle finger of the left hand, and the ribbon will be drawn outward against the rounded edge 5 of the clamp 3 until the desired length has been unwound, after which itis cut off, as usual. If a greater length than desired is Withdrawn from the reel, this may be readily wrapped around the same by turning the retainer thereon.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-- 1. A device of the character specified, com- ICO prisingaresilientband, clamping devices cartact between it and the ribbon and the other ried thereby and provided with retaining having a finger-hold. means, one of the said devices havingits front In testimony that I claim the foregoing as. edge curved or bent to reduce frictional conmy own I have-hereto affixed my signature in 5 tact bbiatlween itfaald 1311118 ribiijoon. fi d the presence of two witnesses.

2. evice 0 ee arac er speci e comprisinga resilient band, clamping devices car- FRANK STEINKAMP I ried thereby and provided with retaining WVitnesses:

means, one of the said devices having its front F. P. LOTHMANN, 1o edge curved or bent to reduce frictional con- A. V. OSTROM. 

